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Jared Sims: Against All Odds
ByComparisons aside, Jared Sims fares quite well in a program consisting entirely of his own compositions, musically epitomizing his experiences during the Covid pandemic and lockdown. His approach is direct and muscular, reflecting that of some of his teachers who include Ran Blake, George Garzone and Jerry Bergonzi. Although the music is thematic, it is not visibly so, with one notable exception: "Dear Gaia," a paean to Mother Earth, written and recited by Sims' wife, the poet Amy Alvarez. The title song was written for Sims' father who endured three months on a ventilator during the pandemic, "Threnody" for a student who did not survive. Other themes represent the hope of a return to normal, the tedium of each day in lockdown, the dread of seclusion, and even the daily changes in a flower pot.
For support, Sims has chosen guitarist Steve Fell in lieu of a piano, and a rhythm section consisting of bassist Keala Kaumeheiwa and drummer Luther Gray. Each is good at what he does, but none displays the sort of charisma or precocity that would stand out in a crowd. As a whole, the quartet is solid but unremarkablewhich more or less describes Sims as well. The mood is optimistic, the performance steady and unblemished, even though "Dear Gaia" is a curious departure from the norm for poetry enthusiasts, perhaps not so much. But it does interrupt the album's natural flow. In sum, a better than average quartet date most of whose forty-one minutes embody pleasant listening.
Track Listing
Against All Odds; Flowering; Waiting; Dear Gaia; No Name Days; Threnody; Angst
Personnel
Additional Instrumentation
Amy M. Alvarez: poetry (track 4)
Album information
Title: Against All Odds | Year Released: 2022 | Record Label: Origin Records
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Jared Sims
Album Review
Jack Bowers
Against All Odds
Origin Records
Zoot Sims
Ran Blake
George Garzone
Jerry Bergonzi
Steve Fell
Keala Kaumeheiwa
Luther Gray